JESSE Motlop will play his first game of the 2024 season when he returns for the Carlton Reserves.

In the clash with reigning premiers Gold Coast on Saturday morning, Motlop is one of four changes to the Blues side that fell after the siren last weekend against Williamstown.

Motlop - who has been sidelined by toe and hamstring issues so far this season - is back in the fold alongside Sam Durdin, who was unavailable last weekend due to concussion.

VFL-listed Blues Hayden Gill and Archie Stevens round out the inclusions, with Lachie Cowan (AFL selection), Harry Lemmey (injured), Tom Phillips and Ollie Poole coming out of the line-up.

Motlop will provide some additional spark at ground level alongside VFL 50-gamer Ned Cahill, with the in-form Liam McMahon to once again be the focal point in attack.

There’s some experience in the backline for the Blues, with Durdin joining Lewis Young and VFL co-captain Lachie Young in marshalling a Carlton side looking for their second win of the campaign.